Mr. Steven Ronell Jones

JONES, Mr. Steven - Age 69, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Steven Ronell Jones, 69, was born in Flint, Michigan, on February 26, 1957, to Rudolph Jones and Geraldine W. Smith. He was lovingly raised, guided, and deeply cherished by the man he proudly called father, Aaron A. Smith, whose unwavering love and presence helped shape the extraordinary man Steven became. Steven was a proud product of the Flint Community Schools, attending Parkland Elementary School and Emerson Junior High School before graduating from Northern High School in 1975. A gifted visionary in theater production and lighting design, Steven earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater Management and Lighting Design from San Diego State University. He further honed his expertise in production and design as a proud member of IATSE Local 829. Over the course of his remarkable career, Steven became a distinguished lighting designer and production director whose work left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He spent 17 years as tour and production manager for Belafonte Enterprises, orchestrating national and international productions for Harry Belafonte, including UNICEF events, global concerts, and television specials. His expertise extended to major political events, including the 2000 Democratic National Convention Presidential Gala and fundraiser, as well as lighting performances for legendary artists from Stevie Wonder to Barbra Streisand, and many more. Steven later became an integral part of the Apollo Theater Foundation, serving as Lighting Director and Director of Production & Touring. Through his creativity, leadership, and commitment to excellence, he helped shape the world of live entertainment for decades. In 2016, Steven founded Guided by Angels Productions, a reflection of both his artistic vision and generous spirit. Through consulting, speaking, and mentoring, he dedicated himself to inspiring and guiding the next generation of creatives, leaders, and dreamers. In 1985, Steven married the love of his life, Kimberly Renee Edmonson, beginning a beautiful and devoted partnership that spanned 40 years. Kimberly, a talented dancer, fell in love not only with Steven’s heart, but also with the brilliance of his artistic vision and lighting design. Their deep artistic connection, two creatives united by a shared love for the arts, became the foundation of a remarkable life, enduring partnership, and loving family. Together they raised two beloved daughters, Erin A. Jones and Alexandria Belle Jones, both of whom were the pride and joy of Steven’s life. Steven was a deeply devoted husband, an adoring father, and a fiercely proud protector of his family. He found immense joy in supporting, encouraging, and celebrating those he loved, and there was nothing he would not do to uplift, protect, and provide for his wife and daughters. Steven leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 40 years, Kimberly Renee Jones of Detroit, Michigan; two daughters, Erin A. Jones of Harlem, New York, and Alexandria Belle Jones of Mt. Vernon, New York; his mother, Geraldine Smith of Flint, Michigan; his brother, Rev. Keith (Barbara) Jones of Spokane, Washington; his sister, Teri (Roy Jr.) Chambry of Burton, Michigan; and his uncle, Cohen Washington Jr. of Flint, Michigan. He also leaves cherished memories with his cousins, Shelley (Darrell) Roper of Genesee, Michigan, Kellie (Aaron) Smith of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Jeri Washington of Burton, Michigan; nieces, Latecia (Quadri) Owoiya of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Stacey Edmonson of Detroit, Michigan, Leatha Miles-Edmonson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Imon Edmonson of Brooklyn, New York; nephews, Robert Smith of Miami, Florida, and Davis Smith. Steven is also survived by his mother-in-law, Adrienne Edmonson of Detroit, Michigan; brother-in-law, William (Heather) Edmonson Jr. of Virginia; sisters-in-law, Adrienne Marie Edmonson of Detroit, Michigan, and Donna Edmonson of Atlanta, Georgia; along with a host of beloved cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He will also be lovingly remembered by the Flint Northern High School Class of 1975, the members of Phi Eta Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Belafonte Alumni Group (B.A.G.), the Belafonte family and friends, the Apollo family and crew, The Brotherhood and Sisterhood, and the many individuals around the world with whom he formed lifelong friendships and lasting bonds. Steven was preceded in death by his father: Aaron Smith, grandparents: Cohen and Ethel Washington; uncle: Henry Smith; aunts: Judy Washington and Beatrice Bostick; father-in-law: William Edmonson; grandfather-in-law: Robert Laususe; grandmother-in-law: Rosie Belle Jones; biological father: Rudolph Jones. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the clinicians, nurses, caregivers, and rehabilitation specialists whose compassion and commitment played an important role in Steven’s healing and recovery. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Basim Towfiq, the Cardiac Critical Care Unit at Hurley Medical Center; Tanzie Miller and the staff of Zari’s Loving Touch; Rides to Wellness; Regency at Grand Blanc; Regeis Care Center, New York; Lawerence E Moon Funeral Home staff, and Keith Darrough II (Mortician) for the extraordinary care and support provided to Steven and his family. The family also extends a deeply heartfelt thank you to Steven’s sister and brother-in-law, Teri and Roy Chambry, for their unwavering love, care, support, and generosity during Steven’s final season of healing and recovery. Their devotion, compassion, and presence were a tremendous blessing to Steven and to the entire family

Mr. Steven Ronell Jones

February 26, 1957 - May 11, 2026